Happy New Year

 Happy New Year

I know it has been awhile, but I needed to re-group.

It’s been a rough 6 months, but I am delighted to say that 2015 is feeling great.  Not that anything drastic has changed in my life, it is just a matter of accepting that, this is what it is, either react or act, and I have finally chose to act. 

I actually sat down and made some goals that were reasonable this year.  I usually get carried away, so needless to say, there are so many, I would look at them and just say, “Oh, I can’t do all that”, then of course I accomplish nothing.   I am proud of myself. 

This year I want to share with you:

12 simple, must have, basic food items in your home and hopefully I will be able to share a few recipes incorporating what I feel is a must have.

 

12 free crochet patterns that I have found while surfing the Internet.   There are so many  wonderful crochet patterns that bloggers are sharing and they are so adorable.  The free patterns are projects that I will actually make and share the link if you are interested in making the item. 

I have traveled a little bit this past 6 months and really enjoyed getting away from familiar surroundings, so I am very excited to share 6 of my new travels in 2015. 

I have also decided to have an indoor herb garden and keep you updated on my garden and some of the flavored infused oils I plan on making and incorporating in my recipes this year. 

Last but not least, I will be focusing on my kitchen this year, so I will be sharing either my own designs or vintage designs for crochet edgings.  I have collected vintage pillowcases for a few years now, and they are just sitting in a closet, so my thinking is that I will convert those to tea towels with a crochet edging.  

See you soon,

Debra

Soon To Arrive A New Crochet Pattern

I am designing, I swear I am.  I am working on the final modifications for a new crochet pattern.  I just can't seem to decide, if I should incorporate beads on these lollipop flowers. 

What do you think?

Can anyone guess what I am designing?

The first person that guesses what I am designing before I release the pattern, will get the pattern for free, as a giveaway!!!

This will probably take me another week, I am still deciding on a few elements. 

For instance, make the circles of the flowers perfect, or leave them as is for character?  Add beads to the flowers? Do I want to add leaves on the stems? 

I struggle with my ideas when starting a new pattern, (or better yet, the yarn struggles with me).  I will start a pattern with a plan in mind, and it always, always ends up not being what my original thoughts were. 

I am really trying to learn to accept the fact, that the yarn is in charge and it is going to tell me what it wants to become, and not get upset because a piece I am designing is not on schedule as I planned.  Is that called enjoying the moment and going with the flow?

I will probably leave some hints during the next week, so watch for those!!!

Just leave your comment as to what you think it is.  You can comment as many times as you like, if you think of other possibilities. The only rule is, if you have multiple guesses, they have to be separate comments. 

Good luck!!!

Debra

Spring Crochet Pattern to Arrive Soon

Spring is approaching and I always think of Easter and collecting Easter eggs.

Just touching base and sharing a sneak peak of one of the items from a new pattern I am designing.

I am focusing all my energy on this new pattern release for next week.

Next week, be prepared for a free craft project, a new pattern release and giveaway.

See you soon,

Debra

It's Been Awhile

I'm still here.  

Happy February!!!

I am working diligently on new projects for February.

I have a free crochet pattern coming up, and yes, it will be using a plastic bottle.

I am working on a new pattern, This new pattern is a functional type of pattern.

I am rewriting a vintage pattern and I am struggling on which one to choose.  Any suggestions?
 
In the food category, I am putting together a recipe that I can't wait to share with you.  Be prepared, it is rich tasting and so easy to put together.  

I'm doing some little day trips here and there, and will share some of  those with you soon.

Spending time with my pups and missing my Daughter.

How can one not love this face?

And of course, this one is starting to grow on me.  She likes to be in control and her and I have butted heads for years.  She finally won.

I am trying to decide what to do as the giveaway this month.  What do you think, a crochet supply, such as yarn, hooks, books or a product from Pampered Chef?

I had a Pampered Chef party last week and I just love their products, especially the stoneware, that's my favorite. The recipe I have coming up will be using the Pampered Chef stoneware.  I made it at the party and received a lot of great comments on it.

Be prepared for a free pattern coming soon!!!

Debra

Vintage Jewelry

Today was about listing vintage jewelry.

My Daughter gave me yarn as one of my Christmas gifts this year, so I made a chain scarf and added a vintage piece to it.

What do you think?

I am addicted to making these chain scarves.

This particular vintage piece of jewelry, I decided to keep for myself.  I just think it is different and I can use it on an assortment of clothing.

Anyway, here are a few of the pieces that I listed today.





See you tomorrow,

Debra

Crochet Flower Motif Sneak Peak

I want to share with you a sneak peak of a current vintage pattern I'm working on.  I won't be done until next week, but I'm really pleased with how it is coming along.  I really like the color combinations of this yarn from Red Heart titled Grape Fizz.  Don't you agree this would be a lovely yarn to crochet petaled flowers with?

I am defiantly noticing the twist I have with my wrist with this stitch work.  Others have tried to work with me on it for years, and I have come to accept that is just a part of my M.O.

I just stopped in to wish you all a great weekend and give you a heads up for what's in the queue for next week.

Monday         A new recipe with chicken breast

Tuesday         A couple of new vintage jewelry pieces that I have listed

Wednesday   A vintage pattern release

Thursday       A recycle craft using cd cases

Friday           A sneak peak of a new pattern design I'm working on.

Until then, Have a Great Weekend!!!

Debra

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year!!!

I'm one of those people that make Goals every year rather than New Year's Resolutions.

How about you?

I make a long list of goals, and I know I won't get them all done, but being able to mark off some of them gives the feeling of accomplishment, versus making a resolution and possibly feeling that I failed.  You know what I'm talking about.

After reviewing what I jotted down, it seems, that I have a need to be better organized.

2014 will be about developing new habits and getting organized.

Keep an eye out for:

new crochet patterns that can assist with organizing
lots of new recipes, as I go through oodles of clipped magazine recipes over the years
letting go, (I dare not say how many totes), of items in totes that I have saved for years and listing on eBay.
sharing a lot of recycle crafts

As you can see, I am eager to become more minimal.....

and last but not least, to focus on me......we need to pamper ourselves, don't you agree?

I hope you will join me on my journey and share your thoughts and ideas this year, because the monthly giveaways, will be all about You!!!

Don't forget about the current giveaway, go here, to get the details!!!

Wishing you a blank canvas, and tools of your choice, to create a magnificence year!!!

Debra

Watch, Pin and Coin Purse set by Ensemble Giveaway

Hello Friends,

I am preparing for New Year's and it is the perfect time for another giveaway.

Be prepared for a new recipe, Slow Cooker Senate Bean Soup.

It is tradition for our family to eat beans on New Years, and make goals or resolutions for the New Year.

This giveaway is called, It's about Time!!!

This giveaway is for one lucky winner of a Watch, Pin and Coin Purse set by Ensemble.

Just in Time as we are settling into the New Year.

Up to 4 possible entries are available per person.

To enter:

Take Time and become a Member of this Blog clicking here , place a comment in the comments section of this post that you are a member.

In the comments section of this blog, tell me what you would like to see while spending your Time at this blog.

Make an effort to like Reciprocity Crafts on Facebook, by clicking here.  Already Like? No problem.  Share Reciprocity Facebook Page with your friends on Facebook.  In the comments sections of this post, comment that you did the Facebook Time.

Excited?  Spend some Time at Reciprocity Crafts and Pin one of your favorite post from this blog and comment in the comments of  this post what you pinned.

This Giveaway drawing ends on January 9, 2104, just in Time for me to get this to one lucky winner as they are settling into the New Year!!!

Good Luck,

Debra

P.S.  Remember to make each task you complete a separate comment.  Each comment is assigned a number and a number will be randomly drawn.

This is open worldwide!!!

Christmas Rush

With all the events taking place, I'm finding myself overwhelmed in a good kinda way.  I'm always one tiny step behind.  All the Christmas decorations are starting to be marked down and I can't resist to shop for next year.

I have a gazillion ideas running through my mind for patterns and I'm constantly bumping into things as I'm jotting down notes for upcoming patterns.  I guess I can't walk and jot at the same time.

I love the parties, especially the food but most of all the company with old and new friends.

This week my plans are:

Free crochet patterns for bottle ring wreaths and trees.

2 new recipes, since that is where I am spending the next few days.

A new pattern for a Santa Wine Cover/Cozy.  Here is a sneak peak.

Did I capture everything that I missed last week.  

Oh, I need to finish the salt dough frame imprinted with a crochet doily.  

And last but not least, don't forget to enter the giveaway for the watch, pin and coin purse set, just click here.

I can see hits on my blog, I don't know who you are, but it kind of scares me to think that it may just be one person checking me out that many times per day.  Reassure me that there is more than one person looking at my blog and enter this giveaway.  

This is travel week, be Safe and Merry,  

Debra

Be Prepared

For a new release on a crochet pattern today, rhymes with Glee.

2 new recipes, one is an appetizer and the other a festive drink.

Some free crochet patterns that incorporate plastic bottle rings.

And don't forget to enter the Giveaway by clicking here.

Quite a few neighbors are having a great time decorating their homes.  Walking the dogs with a cup of hot cocoa at night, makes this such a fun event.  It is very difficult to capture the lights with a cell phone, and I may just have to take some day shots.  

Be prepared for a lot of posting today!!!

Being Festive,

Debra

Watch Pin Coin Purse Set (Ensemble) It's About Time Giveaway

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to wait on this, but I need to meet my deadline and Time is passing a little too quickly!!!

This giveaway is called, It's about Time!!!

This giveaway is for one lucky winner of a Watch, Pin and Coin Purse set by Ensemble.

Just in Time for the upcoming 2014 New Year.

Up to 4 possible entries are available per person.

To enter:

Take Time and become a Member of this Blog clicking here , place a comment in the comments section of this post that you are a member.

In the comments section of this blog, tell me what you would like to see while spending your Time at this blog.

Make an effort to like Reciprocity Crafts on Facebook, by clicking here.  Already Like? No problem.  Share Reciprocity Facebook Page with your friends on Facebook.  In the comments sections of this post, comment that you did the Facebook Time.

Excited?  Spend some Time at Reciprocity Crafts and Pin one of your favorite post from this blog and comment in the comments of  this post what you pinned.

This Giveaway drawing ends on December 23, 2013, just in Time for me to get this to one lucky winner for the New Year.

Good Luck,

Debra

P.S.  Remember to make each task you complete a separate comment.  Each comment is assigned a number and a number will be randomly drawn.

This is open worldwide!!!

I'm going to take a couple days off to get my packages mailed and do some back to back Holiday Cheer Parties!!!  Did you see how I spelled TIME vertically? Opps my back to back festivities have already begun!!!

That will give you some Time to rest up for next week, because I will be sharing:

Iced gingerbread cookies recipe
A new ornament pattern, it rhymes with Glee
Salt dough frame with doily imprint
Pictures of our festive neighborhood
Free crochet patterns for an assortment of festive crochet plastic bottle ring for your table setting.

Be Safe and Merry!!!

Christmas Tree

I'm half way there.  I will spend the next two week rearranging the ornaments and hanging the crochet ornaments with ribbon from the curtains rods.

How are you all doing?

Just touching base.

Be prepared for a vintage pattern tomorrow!!!

Loving Christmas,

Debra

Crochet Slipper Boots for my Daughter

This is what I have worked on all day.  Designing a pair of boot slippers for my Daughter.  I'm liking them, but I'm just not sure about the trim along the back.  Should I keep it the way it is, run it all the way down, or completely remove it?

She had asked for slipper a few weeks back and I kept experimenting but just didn't like what I was coming up with.  I turned it into a boot.  Buttons would be cute along the side as well, but she asked for trim. so I'll stick with that.

After it is all said and done, I think I am going to make me a pair, they are very comfortable.  Or hey, I can just make another one of these and keep them.  Hopefully she'll ask for different colors.

So much you could do with these.  Instead of trim, add button, pom poms, flowers.

I am thinking I should write a pattern up for them with as many hours as I put into designing them, but sometimes I just like to give out one of kind gifts and let it go.

This is one of those, I am going to let go and just make a set for the kiddo.  

Maybe someone will see some inspiration!!!

Debra

Polka Dot Dress Necklace

I've been so preoccupied that I didn't realize that my Daughter has put out a new creation.  Several weeks back she had asked if I could send her some of her childhood dresses.  Three to be exact.  Above is her in one of the dresses.

I struggled with it for several weeks until I finally put them in a box and mailed them.  I had such a hard time letting them go.  Sad part is, they were in a closet and were only looked at every couple of years, if that.

I came in and posted the No Bake Oatmeal Cookies and I noticed she had an update.  When I opened her blog to see what she was up to, it literally took my breath away.  

I am no longer sad that I let the dresses go.  I am also very happy that she is incorporating some fibre with her metal arts. 

I immediately had to text and ask if she had any of the material left to make me a brooch.

I am very excited that she said yes.  Now I get to have a part of her past and a part of her future that I can wear, or maybe use as an ornament on the tree.  

Hopefully, one day, she may even want to learn how to crochet.  I do feel that need to hand it down.  

Isn't it stunning.  I just love it.

What a great way to preserve your past and have a beautiful piece of art.

With Grace,

Debra

Crochet Vintage Lantern Bag

Just keeping in touch.

I am currently working on a crochet vintage lantern bag.  I work them just the way the instructions are written but this sure isn't the way I work a star stitch.

This always confuses me, because I can never seem to figure out what is really right.  The vintage patterns or the way I was taught. These do not look like stars at the current moment.

Regardless, I stick to the Designer's scrip, maybe when done it will line up, but I just don't see that happening.  If not, I'm still liking the look of it.

Maybe someone will interrupt the instructions differently.

I figured this bag would be perfect for holding my scarves.  And I have something other than just scaves planned for the bag.

Be on the look out for the final results.

Have a great weekend,

Debra

Crochet Gift Card Holders

On the weekends, I try and create new patterns.  I am working on a series of Christmas gift card holders.  I am finding, that it cost me more to mail gifts then what I paid for them.  Gift cards seems to be the alternative for cutting that expense down.  

Now for the fun part and coming up with some whimsical ideas for the gift card holder.  Gift cards seem so impersonal to me, so I am working to take that feeling away.  Be on the lookout for a new series of crochet Christmas ornaments.  They are all about fun whimsy.

I do have a new trinket for our pumpkin and I will share that on Monday  I just need to write it up.  And yes, it is with a bottle cap.  Think Belfry.......have you guessed?

Until then, hope your weekend is going spectacular.,

Debra

Muti-tasking Today

I am busy, busy today.  I don't think I will have updates until later this afternoon.

What I have in the works:

Making homemade pumpkin puree (this is in the works)
Making cinnamon ornaments
Pumpkin seed snacks
A new crochet trinket for our pumpkin decorating (and I think it will be a crochet bottle cap ghost)
Slow cooker caramel
A new crochet pattern design and I won't mention what that is but it is functional and cute.  I know I won't get this done today.
A re-image of a vintage crochet apron.

Not sure I can get it all done, but I am going to give it my best shot.

Any particular order you would like me to do these in?

I really need to know that I am not just entertaining myself out here......

Encourage me,

Debra

Contest

I wanted to share this with you before I present the crochet eyes for our pumpkins we are working on.

Sarah from: http://www.repeatcrafterme.com/ is having a contest.

I had to enter, for the free granny square purse.

Here is where the actual contest details are:

http://www.repeatcrafterme.com/2013/10/too-yarn-cute-crochet-emagazine-review.html

Check out her site as well.  She has a lot of great patterns and crock pot recipes to share.



Debra

PS: Why am I sharing this contest and lowering my odds of winning?

Crochet Hoodie Ideas

Is he the cutest or what?

This hoodie inspires me to pull out my hook.  The possibilities are limitless for a crochet mask for keeping your face warm or to use for a costume event.  

Very ingenious.......just love it.....

My question is, would you design one that is permanently attached or removable?

Super heroes, Princesses, Monsters, Beards, just oodles of possibilities.  

What inspires you?

Halloween excited,

Debra

Silk Ties

Today I am listing silk ties. Have you ever noticed how many different ways there are to re-purpose a neck tie?

Here is a site that shows different ideas.  I love the Peter Russo Chair.  

http://dishfunctionaldesigns.blogspot.com/2012/02/tie-one-on-upcycled-and-recycled-mens.html

I haven't checked the mail today.  My fiber is probably sitting in the box wondering where I am to test for my ornament pattern. I think I am going to wait and go with my original plan to offer it at the beginning of October. It gives me a chance to add to it as well.  Until then, I have bottle ring snowflake patterns to share with you.  

Let's not forget about Halloween.  Ready for some crochet bottle cap ideas?  I'm making tons of the black spiders this year, well not tons, but a lot.  That is my theme this year. Be on the watch out for the bottle cap spider pattern.  

I'm watching Julie & Julia today.  I love Meryl Streep.  She is one of my favorite actors.  The cooking though is making me really hungry.  

The just of my week is listing on eBay.  I am determined to reach the 300 mark by Sunday.  

My daughter posted a picture today, so I'm missing her a little, well actually a lot. 

On that note, I'm cooking.

Debra